US Energy Dept tells data centers to use backup generators during heatwave to free up power for AC usage

• US Energy Secretary urges data centers to use generators, temporarily turning off grid connections
• Dirty generators risk producing more emissions amid regional heatwave and increased AC demand
• Data centers are clearly putting huge strain on local grids, which are struggling to cope

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has ordered large data centers to switch from grid electricity to on-site backup generators during the ongoing East Coast heatwave, to relieve pressure on the grid.

By using generators, the aim is to free up electricity for residential air conditioning units, with energy demand surging in the region as a result of the excessive heat.

The directive primarily applies to data centers and other major consumers of electricity connected to the PJM Interconnection grid – a major operator in the region.

Data centers told to use generators amid heatwve

High consumers, like data centers, have been given permission to disconnect from the grid and revert to generators running on diesel or natural gas, despite the sustainability concerns.

The PJM notice is one of two relating to this heatwave – the Department of Energy also announced similar measures for Duke Energy in the Carolinas.

"The order authorizes Duke Energy to operate specified units up to their maximum generation output levels, notwithstanding air quality or other permit limitations arising under federal, state, or local law or regulation, or other applicable source of law," the directive reads.

"Maintaining affordable, reliable, and secure power in the Duke Energy service territory is non-negotiable," Wright added, implying that residents shouldn't suffer due to the concentration of data centers in the region.

It's believed that 35GW of backup generation is available nationally, though it's unclear how much grid capacity East Coast measures will free up.

However, what the temporary measures prove is that citizen and commercial demands are too near to generated output, and that there's not enough buffer to allow for surges in demand. Without investment in sustainability electricity, continued data center projects risk more and more scenarios like this, where unsustainable fuels are burned to create power.